(Airdate: March 8, 2021) FUNERALS IN THE TIME OF COVID. Our Town host Maryanne McNellis interviews Lee McKinstry who has joined owner Real Robles at the Kosec Funeral Home in Port Townsend. McKinstry thought she might become a marine biologist. But after a stint in the Peace Corps she realized she really wanted to help people. She was fascinated by cultural rituals around death. It’s not a career for everyone, but she found her niche helping families through the grieving process. Today there is a renewed interest in the old-fashioned concept of “preplanning” your own funeral or cremation. After decisions are made, Kosec opens a trust account. The fact that it’s paid for relieves some of the strain on survivors. Kosec can arrange traditional burials with church or graveside services, working with religious leaders of all types. Cremation is also extremely popular in the Pacific Northwest. Given our maritime heritage, there’s a lot of interest in scattering ashes at sea. Among the many options are biodegradable containers, designed to do little or no harm to the environment.
